The sound of horses neighing on the ridge made Effie quit rocking, work herself out of Jury’s arms, and open her eyes. The lodge was empty. Bridget had been there only a minute earlier, Effie was sure, but now she was nowhere to be seen. I only closed my eyes. Finding Jury was as easy as shutting out the world and whispering his name. Only that to open the door on him.
Voices were coming down through the trees.
Effie spent so much time thinking of Jury that she considered it her living time, not the narrow slot of not-living time when she shivered with cold, hunger, and fear.
A moan on the front steps outside, sent a creak across the floor inside. The whole lodge being of one old piece. A hard knock.
She opened the door. “Skeet!” Was it possible? “What are you doing here? How did you g
